NBA Champion Dallas Mavericks Deserve More Credit and LeBron James Less Scrutiny

This has been the most discombobulating season in the history of the NBA, courtesy of the media and their unhealthy appetite for Miami-Thrice, the NBA’s lightening rod of controversy.

And if the Heat proved anything during the 2010-11 season, it’s that they can go toe-to-toe with anyone, with the exception of the extremely dangerous, serial killer Dallas Mavericks, who should be charged with crimes against humanity for what they did to the Lakers, Thunder and Heat.

So why are we talking about the Heat losing and focusing our energies on the LeBron James inquisition, when we should be appreciating the Mavs for winning the ultimate prize instead?

Sure, the Heat had three of the four remaining top stars in the NBA and the Mavericks only had Dirk Nowitzki. But Marion, Chandler, Kidd and Terry played like stars all through the playoffs.

After a perfect storm like season that pushed the Mavs to a 57-25 win/loss record and their first ever NBA Championship, all the talk is about the Miami Heat and how LeBron James failed miserably.

But Dallas won this championship fair and square. They were much more fluid from their starting rotation and right through to their bench.

Rick Carlisle was also the superior coach.

Why did Miami lose?

LeBron James did not show upBecause of Dallas' defenseSubmit Votevote to see results

Why did Miami lose?

LeBron James did not show up

30.0%

Because of Dallas' defense

70.0%

Total votes: 687

The Mavs did not provide the Heat with a situation that lends itself to a calm, rational decision making process that would lead to a happy ending. The defensive dynamic of the Mavs delivered a highly potent snake bite of king cobra proportions—a bite that literally renders it's victims defenseless from paralysis.

And despite Dirk Nowitzki’s absolutely horrible shooting, he repeatedly vindicated himself in the fourth quarter with history making clutch performances, game after game, proving he was the antithesis of James, who struggled particularly in the fourth.

Shawn Marion was a menace. He deserves much more credit during the playoffs for shutting down the likes of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.

LeBron was not bad as much as he was just effectively put in check by the Matrix.

If it were not for Marion’s ridiculously stingy man-on-man defense that prevented a LeBron James explosion, it’s unlikely the Mavs would be the current NBA champions—he is the most unsung hero of an NBA championship team since Dennis Rodman was a Chicago Bull and even he got more credit.

But there were other Mavs that played huge roles including Tyson Chandler, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd and JJ Barea.

Dallas was most efficient and effective in running the most potent zone defense in the league. They showed a much higher maturity and synergy than both the Heat in the finals and the Lakers in the second round.

In fact, the Lakers and Thunder were much better teams than the Mavs made them out to be and so were the Miami Heat.

All season long, the Mavs were called soft along with their superstar power forward, Dirk Nowitzki. If they’ve proved anything, it’s that they’re definitely not soft.

The media is accusing the Miami Heat for flopping in a final series that went six games against a most worthy opponent.

What do the cowboys from Texas have to do to get the credit they deserve?

It’s possible that if the Mavs keep their roster intact, they will contend for another championship next year.

That will prompt the new NBA theme question: Heat-or-Repeat?

For all intents and purposes, Miami Thrice made it to the finals in their first season together, a fact that should not be considered a failure—unless you believe the Mavs are unworthy champions.